Self-Assembled Fluorosome–Polydopamine Complex for Efficient Tumor Targeting and Commingled Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

Photodynamic/photothermal therapy (PDT/PTT) that deploys a near-infrared responsive nanosystem is emerging to be a promising modality in cancer treatment. It is highly desirable to have a multifunctional nanosystem that can be used for efficient tumor targeting and inhibiting metastasis/recurrence of cancer. In the current study, self-assembled chlorophyll-rich fluorosomes derived from Spinacia oleracea were developed. These fluorosomes were co-assembled on a polydopamine core, forming camouflaged nanoparticles (SPoD NPs). The SPoD NPs exhibited a commingled PDT/PTT (i.e., interdependent PTT and PDT) that inhibited both normoxic and hypoxic cancer cell growth. These nanoparticles showed stealth properties with enhanced physiological stability and passive tumor targeting. SPoD NPs also exhibited tumor suppression by synergistic PTT and PDT. It also prevented lung metastasis and splenomegaly in tumor-bearing Balb/c mice. Interestingly, treatment with SPoD NPs also caused the suppression of secondary tumors by eliciting an anti-tumor immune response. In conclusion, a co-assembled multifunctional nanosystem derived from S. oleracea showed enhanced stability and tumor-targeting efficacy, resulting in a commingled PDT/PTT effect.

In Situ Nanotransformable Hydrogel for Chemo-Photothermal Therapy of Localized Tumors and Targeted Therapy of Highly Metastatic Tumors

“…The spleen plays a vital role in maintaining immunity and maintains homeostasis. It is reported that in cancer, spleen enlargement is usually correlated with the extent of cancer burden and its systemic side effects. , Thus, phenotypic changes in the spleen can provide insights into disease progression and cancer severity . A positive correlation was observed between spleen enlargement and tumor growth, as shown in Figure F.…”

Terminalia chebula Polyphenol and Near-Infrared Dye-Loaded Poly(lactic acid) Nanoparticles for Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Cancer Cells

“…However, spheroids treated with P p IR NPs after NIR light irradiation exhibited more cell death from the inner core of the tumor toward the peripheral region when compared to cells treated with only NPs (Figure A) . These findings suggest that, for effective tumor targeting, the core region of the tumor should show the maximum cell death . It helps to understand the cell signaling pathways that can induce metastasis, apoptosis, and resistance, which can be integral parts of combating cancer and taking preventive measures against health relapse .…”

“…These treatment modalities utilize NIR light to induce hyperthermia (in PTT) and generate reactive oxygen species (in PDT), thereby causing tumor cell ablation . NIR light is advantageous owing to the penetration depth achieved in biological samples compared to the lower wavelength, thereby reducing light scattering with minimal absorbance. , The multimodal approach of PDT/PTT helps control drug release with proper tuning of the heat generation upon NIR light irradiation in the 650–900 nm range, inhibiting tumor growth and resistance to humoral immunity that can limit cancer recurrence. , Furthermore, 5-amino­laevulinic acid, a PDT agent, is recommended for lesion removal for high-grade cervical intra­epithelial neoplasia. It has previously undergone successful clinical trials in China, prompting scientists to pursue novel PDT/PTT treatments for tumors in a similar vein .…”

A plasmon-enhanced fluorescent gold coated novel lipo-polymeric hybrid nanosystem: synthesis, characterization and application for imaging and photothermal therapy of breast cancer

“…S18b †). 60,61 These findings support the therapeutic efficacy of PDPC-IR-Au NPs in decreasing the tumour burden and increasing the survival rate.…”